OUT OF WAR

True Stories from the Front Lines of the Children’s Movement for Peace in Colombia

Age Range: 12 & up

Pub Date: Sept. 1st, 2001ISBN: 0-439-29721-4Publisher: Scholastic

The civil war in Colombia has been going on for decades and shows no signs of ending. Innocent people often get caught in the crossfire and children and teenagers are no exception. Even when they’re not directly victimized, their parents and siblings are kidnapped, wounded, or killed. Some of them are brave enough to join organized peace groups; nine of them who have dared to speak out are presented here. Cameron interviewed these articulate adolescents several years ago. The’re rich and poor, urban and rural, boy and girl, student and dropout. And they’re all working to end violence in their families, schools, and towns. Many of them have had the chance to visit other countries as spokespeople for the Children’s Peace Movement, an unusual opportunity for some youngsters who normally could not have traveled past the boundaries of their own neighborhood. Although it’s difficult to know how much editing was involved, Cameron states, “I have done my best to tell these stories truthfully.” Some additional background about the conflict would have been useful, but the author—and UNICEF—are trying to focus on the strife that affects the young people and not on the political struggle. Web sites and addresses of helpful organizations can be found in the “Resources” section, although no formal bibliography is included. For more mature readers who may be inspired to take a stand on a vital issue—local, national, or international. (Nonfiction. 12+)